Guam’s Expanding Women’s Healthcare Landscape: Addressing Critical Needs
The recent opening of the Guam Seventh-day Adventist Clinic’s Women’s Health Department marks a significant step in addressing a growing gap in specialty care on the island. Located in the former Sagua Mañagu Birthing Center and Sagua Marianas Physicians Group building, the new department aims to provide a spectrum of women’s health services, responding to a documented shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists.
The Aftermath of Sagua’s Closure and Rising Demand
For 22 years, Sagua Mañagu served as Guam’s only freestanding birthing center, closing its doors in December 2022 following the retirement of Dr. Annie Bordallo. The subsequent closure of Sagua MPG in February 2025 further exacerbated the challenges women faced in accessing comprehensive healthcare. Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio highlighted the increasing complexity of healthcare needs for women and children on Guam, emphasizing that the SDA clinic’s opening is crucial to ensuring women don’t face longer wait times or limited access to care.
A Full Spectrum of Services, From Obstetrics to Urogynecology
The SDA Women’s Health Department, led by Dr. Vanessa Miller, offers a comprehensive range of obstetrical and gynecological care. Dr. Jonathan Thorpe explained that the clinic aims to provide continuity of care, with physicians holding labor and delivery privileges at Guam Memorial Hospital. The team includes nurse practitioners, a certified nurse midwife and a physician assistant, allowing them to serve patients across a wide range of risk levels.
Beyond maternity care, the department is addressing a critical need identified by the Department of Public Health and Social Services in 2025: gynecological care. Services range from routine well-woman examinations to treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence, abnormal bleeding, and cancer. A key addition is the part-time presence of Dr. Jeffery Hardesty, a urogynecologist from Loma Linda University Health, specializing in conditions like uterine prolapse and incontinence, particularly among elderly women.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Services and Addressing Future Needs
While currently focused on ambulatory OB-GYN services, the SDA Women’s Health Department is exploring the possibility of reintroducing birthing services, mirroring the role previously held by Sagua Mañagu. The full utilization of the building is still under development, with further service details to be announced.
The opening of the SDA Women’s Health Department follows the establishment of Famalao’an Wellness Center by former Sagua MPG physicians Dr. Mariana Cook-Huynh and Dr. Kelli Jarrett, demonstrating a proactive response to the healthcare gap left by Sagua’s closures. Both clinics signal a growing commitment to women’s health on Guam.
Did you grasp?
Guam’s first freestanding birthing center, Sagua Mañagu, opened in July 2000, providing a family-centered alternative to hospital births for over two decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the SDA Women’s Health Department located?
A: The department is located at the PeMar Building, formerly the Sagua Mañagu Birthing Center and Sagua Marianas Physicians Group location.
Q: What services does the SDA Women’s Health Department offer?
A: They offer a full spectrum of obstetrical and gynecological care, including well-woman exams, prenatal care, and treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence and uterine prolapse.
Q: Does the clinic offer birthing services?
A: Currently, the department does not offer birthing services, but is exploring the possibility of adding them in the future.
Q: How can I schedule an appointment?
A: You can call the SDA Women’s Health Department at 671-646-8881.
Q: Who is Dr. Jeffery Hardesty?
A: Dr. Hardesty is a urogynecologist from Loma Linda University Health who specializes in conditions like uterine prolapse and incontinence.
Pro Tip: Early and consistent preventative care is crucial for maintaining optimal women’s health. Don’t hesitate to schedule regular check-ups and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
To learn more about women’s health resources on Guam, or to share your experiences with accessing care, please leave a comment below. You can too explore other articles on our website for more information on local healthcare initiatives.
